THERFIELD SCHOOL
HEADMASTER'S NEWSLETTER
October 1991

I am delighted to be able to report a very smooth start to the new school year. Our new pupils all seem to have settled to work quickly and effectively and we have recruited our largest Sixth Form for some time, presently standing at 247.

EXAMINATION RESULTS
Our examination results this summer continue to be excellent. I have attached some of the statistics far you, but the full set of statistics now required by the DES run to several pages. Copies of these will be available to anyone asking for them, please phone the school and we will get them delivered.

The A Level results were the highest achieved in the recent history of the school. Students were entered for a total of 188 subjects and achieved an 88 per cent pass rate. (The national average for 1991 was 78 per cent).

A gratifyingly high proportion (33 per cent) were at grades A and B. At present we know of 45students going on to Higher Education, mostly to University or degree level courses.

Lucie Brailsford, Howard Scannell and Russell Smith will take up Oxbridge places.

We were equally delighted with the GCSE results for the 220 pupils in Year 11. Pupils were entered for 1,841 subjects and gained pass grades in 1,832. A total of 53 per cent of all passes were awarded at grades A-C (5 per cent better than the national average). Half of the students gained the crucial five or more passes at grades A-C and 75 per cent gained at least one A - C grade.

PRESS COVERAGE
One delightful development recently was the discovery that Therfield was one of only three schools in Surrey featured in a new book called The Good State Schools Guide. This book set out to identify the 'best' 300 schools in the country.This led to our being featured in the Sunday Observer Colour Magazine which has been printing a summary. We are happy to be recognised in this way.

Therfield's sporting side has had a particularly high profile this week as 16 of our pupils took part in the opening ceremony of the Rugby World Cup at Twickenham on Thursday. Therfield wore the green and gold of Australia and we were delighted to be chosen to take part in this prestigious event.

HELP REQUESTED
I am sure that most of you will know that the number of pupils we recruit now directly influences our level of resources. It is recognised that one of the most important elements in helping parents make up their minds about choice of secondary school is the attitude of other parents in the area.

I know, from the many letters I receive, that Therfield is held in high regard by most parents.If you have friends, neighbours or acquaintances who will have a child transferring this year, please tell them about Therfield.We will very happily send you - or them - a school brochure and details of our Prospective Parents' Evening which will be held on20th November. Every new pupil brings in about £1,000 worth of extra resources and this could be a really vital way of helping us.

With the recession having its effect, we are finding it difficult to get sufficient work experience places for our Year 11 (Fifth Form) students. Work Experience week is 14th-18th October. If you could offer a student a place, especially in art and design work or a solicitor's office, please 'phone Mrs. Hodgson at the school as soon as possible.

BUILDINGS
If any of you have visited the school this term, you will have seen the major redevelopment to our main entrance and our office accommodation. I can also announce that the County Council has agreed to a £600,000 building programme to get us ready to welcome 11 year old pupils from September 1993. This will almost certainly be in the form of a suite of new Science Laboratories and the re-modelling of some old laboratories into general classrooms, hopefully to include a purpose built micro-music laboratory.

PRAYER GROUP
A small group of Christian parents meet regularly to pray for the school. If you would like more details please contact Mrs. C. Witts (0372 272019).

It continues to be an enormous privilege to work to serve the needs of the young people of this area. I especially value the support of parents. If you have concerns please do not hesitate to contact the school. If you would like to come in and tour the school whilst we are at work we will be very happy to show you around, all you need to do is 'phone my Secretary and agree a time.

Yours sincerely,
TJ Reddin

ADDENDUM

SCHOOL FUND
We are very grateful to those of you who have contributed to the School Fund, which at present stands at £4,600. If you would still like to contribute we shall be pleased to receive your donation. This fund is used directly to fund clubs, societies and teams, together with improving the environment and purchasing equipment.

COLLECTION OF PUPILS
May I ask parents who are collecting pupils at the end of the school day to avoid using Dilston Road if at all possible because of the potential dangers from the congestion. The side entrance in Cleeve Road is normally much quieter.